Our review

Overall Rating:

8.4

Reviewed:

29-Feb-2012

An architectural masterpiece on a secluded stretch of tropical coastline.

The incredible beachside location and natural surroundings make it easy to slip into indulgent tropical island mode at Baan Hinta. Even though the villa covers several levels, the staff somehow manage to always be on hand with fresh fruit and cool refreshments, and the design of the villa means that even large groups can find cosy spaces to chill out when they want some down-time, and super-size social spaces to party in when they don’t. The soft natural tones and subtle lighting of the villa can also make it feel very intimate and romantic should the mood take you. Active members of our group made the most of the vast range of water sports equipment on offer at the villa (kayaks and paddleboards free of charge; windsurfers, jetskis and other motorised fun charged extra), while those of us who hankered after a little R&R had no trouble fulfilling our wishes. And there was plenty to keep the kids amused too. Aside from the above-mentioned fun stuff to do on the beach (which is only steps away), Apple TV, Xbox and a 120-inch outdoor movie screen made for entertainment heaven. The window into the pool from the ‘childrens’ bedroom was a good source of amusement too – just like having front-row seats for a show at the aquarium!

Despite being a very grown-up and stylish villa, Hinta is also an idyllic family holiday destination for those with older children. There really is something for everyone here.

Individual Scores:

Character/Charm:

9

Location:

8

Outside Area:

8

Living Area:

8

Bedrooms:

9

Bathrooms:

9

Kitchen:

8

Facilities:

8

Staff:

9

Value:

8

Highlights

Relaxing into a deliciously deep bubble bath after a fun filled day of windsurfing; watching the first stars appear from the huge canvas hammocks outside the master suite, then chatting over a delicious supper served by the friendly villa team. But perhaps best of all: a cold towel and a mango smoothie brought over to my own sun lounger on a secluded tropical beach – heaven!

Surprises

Although the beach is secluded, it’s not completely private, and occasionally passers-by mistook the villa for a resort. There’s no lockable gate so it can feel a little exposed. There are a lot of steps at the villa so it wouldn’t be so suitable for toddlers or those with mobility problems. Some may find the location too remote, but the shops and bars of Lamai are only 15 minutes away.

PROs

Ocean views from every room

Efficient, friendly service

Lovely long lap pool

Blends with natural landscape

CONs

Baan Hinta just does not dissapoint! The villa facilities are just as remarkable as the website shows but what cant be emphasised enoough is the professional and caring staff. They discreetly went about thier tasks, always there when needed. They got to know all of our likes and dislikes with food and drink and the meals prepared and served were better than any restaurant experience. I cant wait to come back.

Individual Scores:

Character/Charm:

10

Location:

8

Outside Area:

10

Living Area:

10

Bedrooms:

10

Bathrooms:

10

Kitchen:

10

Facilities:

10

Staff:

10

Value:

10

The Experience

Bold, bright and brand new (2011), Baan Hinta and its near-twin and next door neighbour Ban Hinyai, take their names from Koh Samui’s folkloric (and somewhat suggestive) grandfather (Hin Ta) and grandmother (Hin Yai) rock formations, which lie a short distance away. Similar huge granite boulders are strewn across the hillside above the secluded beach where the villa lies, adding a unique dimension to Baan Hinta’s exteriors and interiors. And the sparkling ocean is omnipresent. The villa’s capacious yet cosy design blends beautifully with its natural surroundings and makes the most of the island's tropical climate: softly toned sandstone floors and walls of sliding glass lie below lofty timber ceilings and sweeping cedar-wood roofs. Despite being close to Lamai and a range of tourist attractions, Baan Hinta’s location is very private allowing guests to drift easily between the villa's multi levels, each of which offers a choice of ocean-view spaces to relax and indulge in tropical holiday pleasures. Quality furnishings ensure five-star comfort, complemented by contemporary amenities such as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, iPod docks, brand name kitchen appliances and a 120-inch projector screen on the pool deck for alfresco movie nights. The villa’s four guest bedrooms (all with ensuite bathrooms) are equally well appointed and the generous master suite luxuriously encompasses the hillside’s dramatic rock formations, further adding to the villa's natural elegance. Although its steeply sloping location and multi-level layout make Baan Hinta less than ideal for toddlers or those with mobility issues, there’s a playful element at the villa which will certainly appeal to older children. A good selection of water sports equipment means guests can learn to windsurf right from the beach in front of the villa, or even explore the coastline on a jet-ski. Kids will also love the bedroom window that looks straight into the watery depths of the swimming pool. The villa manager is always on call and happy to help organise activities and trips. With advance notice, larger functions, parties and weddings for up to 50 guests can also be arranged. Breakfast is included in the rate and the chef prepares a range of dishes from a fixed price menu. Alternatively, groceries can be purchased for those wishing to self-cater, and a barbecue on the pool deck beckons for relaxed evenings under the tropical night sky.

Location

Baan Hinta is located three kilometres south of the busy tourist town of Lamai. The closest restaurant is Mango Village, directly next door, which delivers freshly cooked Italian dishes to the villa. If you turn left onto the road you soon reach Sabinglae, one of the island’s best-known local seafood restaurants, while Rocky’s, renowned for its fine international cuisine is only slightly further along in the same direction. The much visited Hin Ta and Hin Yai (grandfather and grandmother) rocks are a short drive away from the villa, as are many of the islands tourist attractions including elephant trekking, temples and a whole range of spa and wellness options including yoga and Thai massage.

Places of Interest(KMs)

Lamai

3.0

Chaweng

12.0

Bo Phut Village

15.0

Samui Airport

17.0

Nathon

20.0

About Lamai
Lamai is Samui's second busiest beach and tourist town and even though it’s shorter than Chaweng, it rarely feels crowded. Lamai Beach is a relaxed place to visit, with laid-back resorts and beachside restaurants lining the shore. The water is deep enough for swimming all year round and this area is also the chosen location for several spas and health resorts. Lamai has a very peaceful feel during the day, but at night the town becomes morelively with shoppers, diners and revellers enjoying a night out in one of the many bars and clubs. There's also a sleazy side, but that's easy to avoid as it's centred around the bars right in the middle of the main strip. On the outskirts of the town to the south Samui's famous Grandmother and Grandfather rocks are a popular sightseeing spot and stalls sell local souvenirs along the road that leads to them. Further south still takes you to some of the island's best authentic Thai seafood restaurants.

About Koh Samui
The third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is just 21km at its widest point and 25km at its longest. The hinterland consists of forested limestone hills and the shoreline is made up of countless coconut palm-fringed beaches and bays.

Traditionally a coconut plantation and fisherman's haven, in the last few years the island has grown into a major holiday destination with regular connections to Bangkok and direct flights from Hong Kong and Singapore. Despite rapid development, Samui is small enough to retain its charm and its modest size also makes it a convenient, laid back location even during busy seasons.

As well as fine beaches, Samui is known for recreation, relaxation and fine food. The blue waters of the Thai Gulf provide a wealth of possibility for water sports, while on land the island is well known for its professional and indulgent spas and health retreats. Fresh seafood is a specialty at most of Samui's restaurants, but you can also enjoy food from almost every corner of the globe thanks to the island's strong international influences.

Each beach on Samui has its own particular character and ambience. The east coast beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are busy, commercial areas with everything from beach vendors to fast food chains, while to the north, Bang Rak and Bo Phut have a more relaxed local village atmosphere. Beaches like Lipa Noi and Laem Set on the western and southern shores feel much more remote and untouched.

Koh Samui combines comfort and convenience with a sense of real escape and this has made it a popular choice for residential as well as tourist development. The island is an eclectic blend of nature and sophistication, one that draws repeat visitors every year to indulge in its tropical delights.

Rooms

Entering the villa’s lofty and bright split-level living and dining space, you are met with spectacular views over the pool to the glistening sea beyond. On the upper level, meals are served at a table formed from an enormous piece of beautifully carved local wood seating up to 14 guests. Adjacent, the kitchen is home to a selection of top-of-the-range kitchen appliances. From the dining area, sandstone steps lead down to the lounge where floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out to the pool deck and a pair of large L-shaped sofas make a delightful place to relax, read or enjoy a little distraction on the home entertainment system, which includes Apple TV and XBox. Outside, guests can relax on comfortable sun loungers on the deck, swim laps in the generous pool and, come nightfall, watch movies on the 120-inch projector screen.

All five bedrooms at Baan Hinta are air conditioned and feature king-size beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and iPod docks (plus a DVD player in the master suite). The first guest bedroom is situated on the upper level with dramatic sea views from its private balcony and a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring an extra-large rain shower and terrazzo bath tub. The middle floor houses two more comfortable guest rooms, equally well furnished and of a similar style and design to the first but with a shared balcony. A cut-through leads to the fourth guest room (known as the children’s room), which boasts a huge window that looks straight into the waters of swimming pool positioned above.

On the lowermost level of the villa – fronted by a small garden where two canvas hammocks offer the perfect spot for an afternoon snooze or a tender moment under the stars – is the master suite. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out to the ocean, this is a romantic and intimate suite with luxurious features built around the granite rock formations.

A short set of steps lead down from here to the soft sandy beach where loungers await for lazy days of sun worship.

General Conditions

In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:

-For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.

-For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.

Standard cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.

Amendment of confirmed booking

Changes to a confirmed booking such as amendment of dates will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and cancellation charges may apply.

Rates

Prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For approximate rates, please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.

Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current, they are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.

Confirmed booking rates will not change.

Security deposit

Upon arrival at the villa you will be required to sign a waiver of liability and a credit card authorization form which will allow for damages and any additional charges that you may incur to be charged against the card.

Check in/out

Check in – 3.00pm, Check out - 10.00am

Late check outs up to 6.00pm may incur a half day charge, after 6.00pm a full day may be charged.

Every effort will be made to accommodate other check in/out times but will depend on availability.